Traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation (TAARS) in adults: A report of two cases and literature review

Abstract

Pure traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory instability is a rare entity in adults. A review of the English literature revealed 10 cases of bilateral, and two cases of unilateral traumatic atlantoaxial rotatory dislocation (TAARD) in adults since the first report in 1969 (Table 1). The terminology associated with traumatic rotatory injuries at the atlantoaxial level is somewhat confusing, and a clear distinction should be made between rotatory subluxation and rotatory dislocation, as the mechanics of injury and the optimum management may differ. In this report, we use the term atlantoaxial rotatory subluxation to define a partial and transient reducible displacement of the adjacent articular surfaces at this level. Our purpose is to describe two cases of traumatic atantoaxial rotatory subluxation (TAARS), focussing on management, outcome and a review of the literature.